Veteran receiver Andre (Bad Moon) Rison may be in the lineup for the first time this season when the Argonauts play host to the Montreal Alouettes this Friday at the Rogers Centre.

Rison has not played this season after injuring his ribs in the second pre-season game when he landed hard while being defended by two players.

With slotback R. Jay Soward nursing a rotator cuff injury an opening for a receiver, most likely an import, has been created and Rison would be a possibility, although the team likely won't declare its lineup for a day or two.

"It would mean a great deal to me (to play)," the 38-year-old said yesterday. "I took pride in the off-season to get back in top-notch condition. I dedicated myself to Andre the football player. I felt if I went into any training camp I could play and contribute to any team, but specifically this team."

Rison played six games for the Argos last year and caught 14 passes, one for a touchdown, but didn't dress for the post-season and became a de-facto receivers coach.

"I felt I helped (the team) last year in more ways than one, but this year was to be solely as a player and a teammate and a friend. I will continue to do it, but from a personal standpoint, I feel I'm ready. I've been patient.

"The first four or five games I was hurt. It was probably the most serious injury I had (in 13 professional seasons). Whether it was bruised ribs or broken ribs there was nothing (the doctors) could do. I was getting eager to play, but in order for me to perform at the level I had prepared myself to play, it would be best for me to just let it heal.

"I wasn't even healthy to argue the point of playing in the first several weeks, but now if I get the opportunity, which I believe I might, I'm going to make the best of it to help this team win and remain in first place and go up another game on Montreal."

There is no guarantee that even if Rison does get into the lineup he will remain there.

"I'm at at a point in my career where if I'm given that window of opportunity I want to shock the world," he said. "I have a great sense of urgency now for our offence. I know the concept of the offence, so I'm not just thinking out there. I know the hash marks on the field now. I know where the numbers are. I know what I can do within a route.

"This the best shape I've been in since I've been a kid. I feel great."